We're just 24 hours away from crowning a new WWE Champion when six of Raw's top superstars battle it out for the chance to win the WWE Championship vacated by Shawn Michaels, some for the first time in East Rutherford, New Jersey tomorrow night.

The Izod Center will host Backlash and the tournament that could see Rey Mysterio add to the World Heavyweight Championship he won three years ago. Chris Jericho is no stranger to winning a championship tournament as he often likes to remind us. Can he repeat that amazing feat of 2001 when he defeated The Rock & 'Stonecold' Steve Austin in the same night to become the first Undisputed Champion?

Will Rob Van Dam win his second WWE title, or will John Cena or Edge be the one to add to their multiple reigns as WWE Champion? Can Kofi Kingston cause a giant upset, replicating Jericho's achievement over seven years ago? We don't have long to find out now!

The World Tag Team titles will be on the line too when The Epitome of Excellence defend them against the former champions, Cryme Time. Shad & JTG had to forfeit them last year when Shad broke his ankle. They weren't defeated for the titles, and it'll be a challenge for the men who will have to likely have to prove they are the epitome of excellence if they are to do what no one could do last year in beating Cryme Time to be the champions.

Two dangerous women will collide in a Falls Count Anywhere match when O.D.B. comes face-to-face with Queen Kong. They've both interfered in each other's title matches with Beth Phoenix, costing them the opportunity to be Diva's Champion, and they'll both be fighting for the possibility of getting another crack at Beth's title.

There'll be a lot of people hoping that Cody Rhodes & Joe Hennig get what's coming to them for their attitude towards Justin Gabriel's sexuality. Gabriel and his tag team partner, John Morrison let them know they're hell bent on doing just that in New Jersey, but will they give the beating we all hope Rhodes & Hennig deserve?

Raw's two newest divas, Angel Love & Talia Sky, who call themselves Picture Perfect will be hoping for a perfect pay-per-view debut when they take on Melina & Kelly Kelly. They believe that there is a problem with the diva culture on Raw and plan to show the Raw fans that they're superior, but will they?

Also, on the pre-show, Sheamus will defend the Intercontinental Championship against Matt Hardy. Hardy has left Sheamus livid the past two weeks on Raw. Can he leave him even angrier tomorrow night by taking his Intercontinental title?

WWE Championship Tournament Predictions as far as the Triple Threat Match goes for Kofi, RVD and Rey Mysterio, my pick in that match would definitely be Rob Van Dam but as for who he will pin in this match I see him pinning Kofi with Rey being the one who doesn't get pinned but as for the 2nd Triple Threat Match my pick in that match would definitely be John Cena with it setting up RVD vs Cena in the finals to crown a new WWE Champion with Cena becoming the new WWE Champion

World Tag Team Championship, The Epitome of Excellence (c) vs Cryme Tyme, I am calling it Cryme Tyme will win the World Tag Team Championship beating Daniels and Kaval

Falls Count Anywhere, ODB vs Queen Kong, I am calling it Queen Kong wins to basically become the new #1 Contender for the WWE Unified Divas Championship facing Beth again

Intercontinental Championship
Matt Hardy w/Gregory Helms & Shannon Moore vs Sheamus (c)
The fans really got behind Matt Hardy from the get-go, and it was clear to see that Sheamus was still hell bent on hurting him. His anger put him in trouble early on, giving Matt an advantage, and with a fast start he got the Intercontinental Champion even more rattled. As the match went on though, The Celtic Warrior came fighting back, causing some concern for Matt's Team Omega buddies on the outside. Helms & Moore were looking worried, but Matt showed some serious resolve to test Sheamus's. The Irishman had to dig deep to kick out of the Side Effect after Matt elbowed his way out of the Irish Curse backbreaker. Matt was feeling it and sent Sheamus firing into the corner, following in for a clothesline before turning out of the corner to take him down with a bulldog. The crowd were loving it, cheering for the challenger as he went back to the corner, pulling himself up to the second rope, where he jumped off, connecting with a double leg drop. The cheers got louder, but Sheamus stopped them when he kicked out before the ref could count to three. Matt was still in the driving seat and was urging Sheamus to get up for the Twist of Fate, and the fans were thinking a title change was moments away. It wasn't though as Sheamus used his strength advantage, shoving Matt back into the ropes and hitting the Irish Curse backbreaker this time. Control was his, and despite a mini fight-back from Hardy, Sheamus prevailed, again powering out of a Twist of fate attempt by lifting Matt up and running into the corner to drive his back into the pads. Sheamus then fired him hard into the corner and ran out at him as Matt came staggering out, right into the Brogue Kick, and it was lights out for the plucky challenger with Sheamus retaining his Intercontinental title yet again, and he celebrated emphatically, without a smile on his face, showing he means business.

Winner: By pinfall, and still the Intercontinental Champion, Sheamus.

~The Main Show~

*The Opening Match*

WWE Championship Tournament Semi Final #1
Kofi Kingston vs John Cena vs Chris Jericho
We saw a real battle between three men determined to give themselves a shot later on in the main event for the WWE Championship. Kofi was the real fan favourite, and he set the tone in the first few minutes, stalking Cena for the Trouble In Paradise. Cena dodged it though but he knew Kofi was a threat from there, and he didn't take him lightly, unlike Jericho. The Canadian thought he had the match in the palm of his hand with Cena on the outside and Kofi flat on his back in front of him. Jericho ran into the ropes for the Lionsault, only for Kofi to get his knees up to a big pop from the crowd. As both men then made their way back up, Jericho turned round into an instinctive Trouble In Paradise from Kofi. The fans were on their feet as Kofi threw himself on top of Jericho to make the cover, but this time, not like on Raw two weeks ago, the referee saw Jericho get his foot on the bottom rope. The crowd were deflated, as was Kofi, and as he was sitting back up, Cena was crawling back in the ring. Kofi had to get back up, and as he then ran towards him, Cena took him down with a drop toe hold, pulled him away from the ropes and locked in the STFU.

The majority of the crowd booed and tried to help Kofi fight the hold, and despite being in incredible pain, The Jamaican Sensation held on for dear life. Jericho was coming round on the other side of the ring, still on dream street after the Trouble In Paradise. The fans chanted Kofi's name and it helped as he dragged himself towards the ropes, only for Cena to then stand up and drag him back. Kofi was in deep trouble, but once he'd shaken off the cobwebs, Jericho panicked to see what was going on and dived across the mat to break up the hold by jumping on Cena's back. Jericho dragged Cena back by the feet and threw himself down on top of Kofi to make a cover, but it was only a two to the relief of the crowd. Cena though was waiting for Jericho and sent him into the ropes, ducking his head though, giving Jericho the chance to come back and kick him square in the head. Cena's head snapped back up and Jericho went for his legs, sweeping them to lock in the Walls of Jericho, turning him over to mostly cheers from the crowd. Kofi was still down in a bad way as Cena this time had to fight to survive with Jericho beyond desperate to make him tap.

There was no quit in Cena and he eventually fought to the ropes, getting a lot of boos from the crowd as well as some cheers. Jericho was pissed and stalked him as he stood back up, getting ready for the Codebreaker, but Kofi made his way back up, distracting Jericho who ran at him, into another Trouble In Paradise from Kofi. Jericho rolled out of the ring as the Jamaican then turned round, Cena was back on his feet and away from the ropes. Kofi panicked and ran at him, into an F-U with Cena turning him over on to his front to again apply the STFU. The crowd again tried to help Kofi, but to no avail this time as he was eventually left with no choice but to tap out. Cena stood up to get his arm raised, not a popular figure, not that it seemed to bother him as he got his arm raised by the referee, now one win away from becoming the WWE Champion once again, leaving Jericho fuming as he sat up on the outside. He stared inside, absolutely livid, and Kofi was disappointed as he sat up having made a real impact against them. Cena left the ring, heading back up the aisle, slapping the hands of some fans in the front row before turning back, lifting both arms up into the air again. It made Jericho angrier as he looked on, and Cena then turned to walk backstage, leaving Jericho full of rage staring towards the back as a disappointed Kofi also started to stir.

Winner: John Cena by submission.

Rob Van Dam was getting himself warmed up in the production area for his upcoming match, clearly not too far from the ring as a heavy breathing John Cena walked back from the arena. Cena said it was his first chance to welcome him back to the WWE and did so. RVD joked that having just heard the boos, he guessed that Cena had won and congratulated him on it. Cena cracked a smile and thanked him, then wished him luck for his match, teasing that it could come down to them later on for the WWE title. RVD said it could and asked Cena if he remembered the last time they met for the WWE title. Cena again smirked and said he did, saying it was a night he'll never forget in front of that 'friendly' ECW crowd. RVD said it sure was but Cena let him know that RVD might've got the better of him that night, it might just be different this time. This time RVD cracked a wry smile and they shook hands before Cena went back on his way to the locker room with a title shot waiting for him in the main event.

Across the back, the newest divas on the block, Picture Perfect (Angel Love & Talia Sky) were interviewed by Leticia Cline, after they'd given her a disapproving look up & down. Leticia wasn't too comfortable to say the least, and after telling her that she was just like the two talentless tramps they were going to face tonight, Angel & Talia said it was time for the 'divas' to find out they're all about. They also said it was time for the fans to see what they're about, that they're not talentless tramps in the ring simply because of the way they look, not that they don't look good, perfect in fact they said, but that they were going to embarrass these pretty little divas who aren't in their league in terms of looks or talent. Angel finished by telling Leticia to watch them too as she could learn a few things before she walked off laughing with Talia, not impressing Leticia at all.

*Match #2*

WWE Championship Tournament Semi Final #2
Rob Van Dam vs Rey Mysterio vs Edge
We had another three superstars desperate to win themselves a shot at the WWE Championship and a match with John Cena. They all came out firing, and the fans were showing their support for both Mysterio & RVD. They unsurprisingly joined forces in the early going against The Rated-R Superstar, only making him more angry & determined. He was well up for the fight and took great pleasure in silencing the crowd. The frustration started to build though as the match went on, and when Rey kicked out of an electric chair drop, the Canadian wasn't impressed. Rey was struggling though, in a bad way on the mat, and Edge smelt blood. He stood back up hoping to finish the job when RVD stepped back up on the apron. Edge ran at him and sent him back down to the floor as Rey stood back up, and when Edge turned back round, he saw Rey on his feet and stormed across the mat at him. Rey though caught him with a drop toe hold, putting him on the middle rope, and the crowd erupted as Mysterio dialled up for the 619. It was deafening and Rey hit the ropes, burst across the ring and swung through the ropes, nailing Edge with the 619 to an almighty roar.

Edge fell back and was easy prey for Rey as he steadied himself on the apron, holding on to the top rope as he then hit a springboard, coming down and dropping the dime on Edge. He was at Rey's mercy and the fans were counting along with the referee until RVD crawled back in the ring and dived on top of Rey to break up the cover, surprising the crowd. RVD then had the momentum, and the crowd thought he might have had it won when he hit the rolling thunder on Rey, but this time Edge broke it up. RVD & Edge slugged it out with Rey down, and when RVD dodged a spear, Edge ran crashing into the pads, quickly rolled up by RVD for a cover, but Edge kicked out. They rushed their way back up and a rattled Edge turned into a roundhouse kick to the head that floored him, leaving him flat on his back. RVD jumped up to the top rope, feeling the match was his for the taking, and the fans were on their feet shouting "R-V-D", and he jumped off the top into the New Jersey sky for the Five Star Frog Splash, and he got it. It was over, and he turned himself round, still hurting himself as he eventually made the cover, but Rey this time broke it up at the last second, leaving the crowd stunned.

It was RVD & Rey who then went at it with Edge by the ropes, and the control of the match went back in Van Dam's favour when he dodged a springboard reverse cross body. As Rey then picked himself back up, he turned round, right into a back kick to the head that just sent him falling back on to the mat. He was all but out, and up to the top went RVD once more with the crowd willing him up. Rey was out of it, completely helpless, and RVD leapt through the sky again, coming down for the Five Star Frog Splash. It was crazy loud again too with the fans cheering, but Edge was back on his feet and he ran across the mat to grab & toss RVD out of the ring before covering Rey, picking up the three count to win the match and a shot at Cena and the WWE title later on, much to the disgust of the crowd. He stood up looking so smug as RVD sat up on the outside, so frustrated. He slammed his hand into the padded floor as an amused Edge looked on, turning round getting his arm raised having stole the win from RVD, not that The Rated-R Superstar cared one bit, laughing all the way back up the aisle with RVD clearly so disappointed.

Winner: Edge by pinfall.

We were taken backstage where Chris Jericho was having a hissy fit, throwing foldout chairs around. He stopped and said to himself that he's absolutely sick of Cena, that he can't let him become WWE champion, and that he won't let it happen, that no way in hell is he letting Cena leave champion. The camera zoomed in on him, and there's no doubt Jericho meant every word as he grabbed & threw another chair across the floor.

*Match #3*

Melina & Kelly were really up for this, standing their ground and wanting to put Angel & Talia in their place. They came close too when Melina hit the Sunset Split on Angel, but Talia stormed the ring to break up the cover. Kelly then flew into the ring and all hell broke loose. The referee couldn't control them and Kelly & Melina took care of Sky. She ended up in the corner and Kelly ran across the ring for a Bronco Buster, and hit it. Angel was back on her feet though and pushed Melina into Kelly before rolling Melina up for a two count. As they both made their way back up, they hit each other with a double clothesline. All four divas then made their way back up with Talia tossing Kelly out of the ring. Melina went for her but Sky ducked a right hand, grabbed her and set her up for a Russian leg-sweep with Angel running at Melina, hitting the Botox Injection for their finisher, a bicycle super kick, also known as the Makeover, then covered Melina to get the win for Picture Perfect, and they sure enjoyed it, posing for the crowd on the ropes.

Winners: Picture Perfect by pinfall.

'The Rated-R Superstar' Edge was in his locker room, rubbing a towel across his face with Leticia Cline standing next to him, congratulating him on his win earlier on. He threw the towel down and he was asked how confident he was of going all the way against John Cena and becoming the new WWE Champion. The cocky Canadian said there was no doubt and brought up something he said four weeks ago after beating The Rock at Wrestlemania, that everyone was talking about how big an achievement it was for Cena beating The Undertaker that they forgot he beat The Great One. He then said that they might not have been talking about his win a month ago but they sure as hell would be later on after his win over John Cena and becoming the new WWE Champion. The camera zoomed in on the serious Canadian's face, very confident he'll be leaving New Jersey with the WWE title.

*Match #4*

World Tag Team Championship
Cryme Time vs The Epitome of Excellence (c)
The champions appeared to be slightly complacent in the early going, and it gave the fans even more encouragement to get behind Cryme Time. The challengers didn't need more encouragement though. They were pumped from the moment they walked out into the arena, and they had the champions were rattled, big time. Daniels & Kaval regrouped through, but they still had a real battle. Daniels stole a march for the champions though, dominating JTG, and he thought he had the match won when he hit the BME (Best Moonsault Ever). JTG kicked out at two, surprising Daniels, but he didn't take it well. He dragged JTG back up and into the corner, sitting on the top and pulling JTG up on to the second rope, jumping off with him for a release side slam. Daniels signalled that was it with Shad looking on nervously as the overconfident Daniels made another cover, but JTG got his shoulder up to a big pop from the New Jersey crowd. Just like Kaval on the apron, Daniels was stunned, questioning the referee's count. He couldn't believe it, and he didn't pay attention to JTG crawling closer to his corner, and by the time he did turn round, it was too late and Shad came in all guns blazing. He took Daniels apart and Kaval broke up a cover after big boot, and he found himself in the ring with Shad himself moments later. He fought hard and jumped his way down from a power-bomb attempt, and when Shad turned round, Kaval ran into the ropes with Shad following.

The big man right into The Tidal Wave, a springboard roundhouse kick, leaving him down & out, or so it seemed, and he just managed to get his shoulder up. Neither Kaval or Daniels could believe it, and when it came down to it, it was Daniels & JTG battling it out. Daniels went up top for a moonsault but missed, and when he was helped back up, JTG struck with a springboard tornado DDT. The fans were cheering, thinking that was it, but this time Daniels kicked out to deny the challengers. Daniels was in on the brink and Kaval realised it. He flew into the ring, going for JTG, and that brought in Shad. Kaval was knocked down by the ropes, and as he made his way back up, Shad ran at him to clothesline him over the top, but Kaval ducked and Shad went tumbling down to the floor. He then went for JTG, but JTG ducked a clothesline and took him down with a leg lariat. As JTG then jumped back up, Daniels was already up and JTG was spun into a kick to the gut in a flash, and then fell victim to The Angel's Wings and Daniels made the cover, getting the three to retain the title for him & Kaval. Shad sat up on the floor looking confused and then disappointed as the champions were then handed their titles and got their arms raised, taking great pleasure in showing their titles off before leaving the ring, posing with them in the aisle again as Shad & JTG looked on disappointed still in the ring.

Winner: By pinfall, and still the World Tag Team Champions, The Epitome of Excellence.

Raw's Head of Authority, Eric Bischoff was shown walking the halls of the arena, going straight into the locker room of The King's Men (Cody Rhodes & Joe Hennig). They were changing, thankfully with jeans on when Bischoff walked in, and they weren't looking too happy. Bischoff was though and said he was glad to see they saw sense and will be going ahead with their match later on against J'n'J. Rhodes though said that they weren't happy in the least bit about it but that they agreed they'd do what they had to become World Tag Team Champions, and if that means stepping in to the ring and beating the two lover boys then that's what they'll do. Bischoff told him to grow up for the last comment but that he was happy they've seen sense, and even wished them luck, but as he turned to walk away, Cody stopped him and asked him what was going to happen to Triple H. Clearly concerned about their mentor, and maybe hassled to find out information by him, they were told by Bischoff, that like everyone else they'd find out tomorrow night on Raw. Bischoff then turned & left the room, leaving The King's Men still not in the best of moods.

Elsewhere in the back, Leticia Cline caught the World Tag Team Champions, The Epitome of Excellence (Christopher Daniels & Kaval) walking back from the ring with the titles gleaming over their shoulders. She congratulated them on their win but Daniels cut her off right away, saying that the only thing that needed to be said was that they once again proved they are The Epitome of Excellence, that it cannot be denied and that every team in the locker room should be very very worried as they're only just getting started. Kaval then stared at Leticia and let her know in no uncertain terms that there is no team in the locker room that can or will beat them, or take their titles, and after staring at her and watching her let it sink in, the champions walked off down the halls of the arena very assured of themselves.

*Match #5*

Falls Count Anywhere
O.D.B. vs Queen Kong
O.D.B. & Kong were on a mission to beat each other, and the Unified Diva's Champion, Beth Phoenix joined J.R. & The King at the announce table to watch the two wannabe contenders go at it. They sure did go at it and it looked like the fiercely determined O.D.B. looked all set to lift her Kong on to her shoulders for the fireman's carry driver into a cutter, but she couldn't manage it and Kong dropped to her feet, hitting the Implant Buster, but O.D.B. got her shoulder up to the shock of Kong. She couldn't believe it and left the ring, grabbing a table and slid it in the ring, and just as she was about to climb back on the apron, she turned her head and stared back at Beth. She turned round on the floor and walked the short distance to the announce table, staring right at the Diva's Champion, and The Glamazon stood her ground, standing up and taking off her headset, then walking round the table, getting right in Kong's face. The behemoth became filled with rage and hammered Beth, then drove her head into the announce table to heat from the crowd. She showed no remorse with Beth down rolling around on the floor, and she headed back in the ring as O.D.B. stood back up, greeting her with a kick to the gut and following it up with a DDT.

Kong kicked out of a cover and used the ropes to help get back up on her feet, and Beth crawled to the apron as O.D.B. set her sights on Kong again. Beth though swept Kong's feet from under her and slid back in the ring to pummel her, to the surprise of O.D.B. and the referee. They tried to stop her, but The Glamazon ignored then and stood up, grabbing the table and setting it up to a big pop from the fans. She then called for O.D.B.'s help despite the referee telling Beth to get out of there, but she wouldn't and pulled Kong into place for a suplex by the table, calling for O.D.B. to help her, and she did. Again the referee warned Beth, and as they then suplexed Kong through the table to a big roar inside the arena, the referee called for the bell and threw the match out, confusing everyone until Lilian Garcia announced that due to outside interference, he was ruling it a no contest getting a ton of heat from the fans. O.D.B. wasn't happy at all and questioned both the referee and the unrepentant Diva's Champion, who spent most of her time staring at Kong writhing around amongst the wreckage, unaware of the fury on the face of O.D.B.

Result: No Contest.

J'n'J (John Morrison & Justin Gabriel) were shown leaving their locker room, ready for action when The Bella Twins, Brie & Nikki ran up behind them, telling them to wait. The twins walked up to them and told Gabriel that they really should've been more supportive of him and they wanted to be there for them both for their big match, if they agreed. Morrison & Gabriel were happy and hugged the twins, and Brie & Nikki both told them to give the two jerks what they deserve, and off they all walked together, headed for the ring.

*Match #6*

It was a contrast between the two teams with Morrison & Gabriel so determined to give Rhodes & Hennig what's been coming to them, and The King's Men were very hesitant in the early going. Neither looked too comfortable at the start, and Morrison had to start the match with neither Rhodes nor Hennig wanting to start it with Gabriel, causing some boos from the crowd and disgust from J.R. & The King, and the Bellas too. Cody first entered when Morrison was in there, but when he desperately tried to stop him tagging Gabriel, he couldn't and the South African hit the ring to a huge pop. Cody had to stand up and Gabriel flew at him, exploding with rage and the crowd loved seeing him beat the hell out of Cody. When the tide turned though, Cody took great pleasure in beating the crap out of him. He taunted the crowd too, but as the match was drawing to a close, he was looking to put Gabriel away after failing to do with the Alabama Slam. He went looking for Cross Rhodes but Gabriel pulled back and sent him into the ropes, then nailed him with an enzuigiri. Cody fell flat on his face and Hennig stormed the ring as Gabriel got up, but Gabriel ducked a clothesline.

Hennig ran into the ropes and Gabriel ran in at him to clothesline him over the top, getting the fans going even more, and then Gabriel turned back to Cody, who was spark out on the mat. He walked towards him and pulled him closer to the corner, then stepped through the ropes to climb up to the top rope, getting set for the 450 splash. The fans were going nuts, all standing up with Cody coming round, but Hennig stood up on the outside and pulled Cody out of the ring out of harm's way. He then backed away from the ring with Cody as Gabriel jumped down off the ropes on to the mat with Morrison looking on in shell shocked with the ref counting Cody & Joe out. J'n'J couldn't believe their eyes, and the crowd were booing like mad, and it was deafening with boos as the count got to ten. Morrison & Gabriel were disgusted, shaking their heads with Morrison in the ring with his tag partner, staring furiously up at the backtracking duo in the aisle who knew they had a lucky escape. They then turned round to walk to the back, leaving their angry opponents behind in the ring, still shaking their heads in disbelief & frustration.

Winners: J'n'J by count out.

There was a minor row in the back between the Diva's Champion, Beth Phoenix & O.D.B. O.D.B. was asking her what the hell she was doing but Beth apologised while saying that it wasn't anything that hadn't already happened to her, bringing up Wrestlemania when O.D.B. got involved in her match with Kong. O.D.B. though said that Beth won that match while she had hers called a no contest and Beth told O.D.B. that Kong just attacked her at ringside, asking what she was supposed to do when Eric Bischoff walked into the shot holding the WWE title, and he wasn't too happy by what happened earlier. He told Beth he understood why she snapped but that she couldn't get involved in matches like that, especially after what happened at Wrestlemania and as the Diva's Champion, she should be setting an example. O.D.B. was told that she can't really argue given her role in what happened at Wrestlemania but that he'd just spoken to Vince McMahon and they'd come to a solution. Both women were listening intently, and Bischoff told them that along with Kong they will all meet in a triple threat match at Extreme Rules for the Diva's Championship and that after what happened just now it will be an elimination table match. He left them with that, walking away as they disgusted the information, looking awkwardly at each other.

>2 Weeks!<

We went back into the arena and "Back In Black" played with Eric Bischoff eventually walking out with the WWE Championship still over his shoulder. Once he got to the ring he said that it was time for them to crown a new WWE Champion, but before that he had something big to announce. He told the crowd that he'd just spoken with Vince and they've agreed that they want both Raw & Smackdown to be the best shows they can be, therefore in two weeks after Extreme Rules, as was the case before Wrestlemania, the superstars from both shows will be able to appear on both shows. The crowd liked that but he clarified that it didn't mean the brand split would be no more, it just meant superstars from each show could appear on the other and that there would still be exclusive Raw & Smackdown pay-per-views. He did quickly want to move on and announced it was time to find out who would be the new WWE Champion, John Cena or Edge, and he set the title up on a pedestal at ringside before leaving ringside.

*The Main Event*

WWE Championship Tournament Final
John Cena vs Edge
The fans were really split throughout, both being booed & cheered from one minute to the next. Cena & Edge gave it absolutely everything to become the new WWE Champion with the title on display at ringside. Their eyes were swayed to it on numerous occasions, and after Edge countered an Irish whip and hit a flapjack, he had the title in his line of sight. He kept looking at it, smirking at the crowd as Cena climbed up on to his knees, and when Edge eventually turned round, he got caught with a drop toe hold and Cena locked in the STFU. The crowd exploded as Cena tore away at Edge with the Canadian having to fight like mad to hold on, holding on for dear life. Cena put him through hell, torturing him, but Edge fought with everything he had to make it to the ropes, just managing to get there, and it was met with a strong mix of cheers & boos. Cena was gutted and reluctantly let the hold go and stood back up. Edge looked spent, all over the shop as he used the ropes to help get back up, and when he managed to get up, he staggered out into the waiting arms of Cena, and the F-U. It looked all over and Cena made the cover with some of the fans counting along with the referee, but Edge hung on in there again, getting the shoulder up just before the referee's hand came down the third time.

Cena sat up with a smirk on his face, seemingly impressed by Edge's resilience. It didn't last long though and he stood up, going to Edge's legs, and he tried to turn him over for another STFU, but Edge reacted sharply and pushed him back into the ropes with his feet. Cena held on to them as Edge stood up, and they stared right at each other with Cena running back at him, and Edge missed with a right hand. Cena planted him in a flash with a spinning release side suplex, and then stood up for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. He gave Edge the "You can't see me" treatment and stepped back into the ropes, but Edge rolled out of the way of it. It was met by another mixed response, and when they made their way back up, Edge went for an Irish whip, but it was reversed by Cena and Edge was fired into the ropes. He grabbed on to them and held on with Cena then running in at him. Edge lifted his boot up, driving it down Cena's throat, sending him staggering away from the ropes. As soon as Cena turned in a spin, Edge ran out at him, taking him down with a spear to a big pop with some boos too. Edge wasted no time throwing himself on top of Cena for the cover, but Cena was the one to get his shoulder up this time, and Edge was pissed. He smacked the mat, and he didn't want to believe it.

He questioned the ref, getting told it was two, and it looked like he was then going to try putting Cena in the Sharpshooter, but Cena blocked it and kicked back at Edge, sending Edge crashing back into the referee, putting the ref down. Edge stood back up looking at the ref, taking his eye off Cena, who stood up and hit the F-U to put Edge back down with no ref to make the count. The arena was full of more cheers & boos with Cena surveying the scene, but then the crowd came to life again and we saw Chris Jericho run down the aisle and slide into the ring. Cena turned round, confused, and Jericho ran at him, ducking an instinctive right hand from Cena, and he dropped to his knees to low blow Cena to another bag of cheers & boos. Jericho stood up staring down furiously at Cena, and then left the ring, grabbing a steel chair and sliding back in with it as Cena was clawing his way back up. Jericho was like a man possessed, desperate to take Cena's head off. With the ref down and Edge stirring, Cena looked in real trouble as Jericho lined him up. Cena made it up and Jericho charged at him, swinging the chair at his head, but Cena ducked it and Edge walked right into it, leaving Jericho stunned. Cena then spun him round, lifted him off his feet and planted him with the F-U, and the arena was engulfed with noise.

Cena kicked out the chair and Jericho rolled over to the apron and out of the ring as Edge struggled back on to his knees, absolutely all over the place with Cena turning to see it. Cena looked half guilty as Edge then just managed to make it back up, walking right into an F-U as the referee came round. Cena saw it and made the cover with the referee crawling across to make a slow count, but it got to three, making Cena a four time WWE Champion, and a lot of the crowd did not like it. Cena showed his emotions as he stood up, taking in the reaction, taking the boos badly as the referee shook off the cobwebs and crawled over to the apron, and the title was handed to him. He stood up, still groggy as he walked towards the emotional Cena, who when passed the title, didn't take his eyes off it, feeling good about himself and threw it up into the air emphatically, not caring about the boos then with the title back in his hands for the first time in 18 months. Jericho was pissed as he looked up from the floor, seeing Cena there not holding back in showing off his fourth WWE title and 5th world title as Edge too started to stir. Cena then left the ring, turning back in the aisle to throw the title up with both hands with Edge gutted and Jericho pissed as the show then drew to a close with the new WWE Champion taking centre stage, delighted to be champion and showing his title off again despite a lot of boos from the New Jersey crowd.

Winner: By pinfall, and the new WWE Champion, John Cena.

Spoiler for Quick Results:

(Pre-Show) Sheamus defeated Matt Hardy to retain the Intercontinental Championship
John Cena defeated Kofi Kingston & Chris Jericho to advance to the WWE Championship tournament final
Edge defeated Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam to advance to the WWE Championship tournament final
Picture Perfect defeated Melina & Kelly Kelly
The Epitome of Excellence defeated Cryme Time to retain the World Tag Team Championship
O.D.B. & Queen Kong fought to a No Contest
J'n'J defeated The King's Men by Count Out
John Cena defeated Edge to become the new WWE Champion

John Cena becoming the new WWE Champion after a long, gruelling tournament, I guess I can honestly say that Cena winning this tournament I am not really surprised considering the roll Cena has been on as of late especially after being the one to end Undertaker's 16-0 WrestleMania undefeated streak seemingly ending Taker, and Cena walking away champion he is going to become even more hated now than what he was before

Cena beating Edge in the WWE Championship tournament final, I even have to admit was a great match but at the same time I was hoping Edge would walk out WWE Champion considering Jericho's involvement but since it clearly backfired and now Cena is champion, Cena is going to become a marked man here on RAW now because everyone is going to be gunning for him now everyone including Edge, RVD, Jericho, Triple H, etc.

ODB and Kong's match going to a No Contest, I honestly saw that coming from a mile away but what I didn't see coming was that these 3 divas would be going at it for the WWE Unified Divas Championship at Extreme Rules especially in a Triple Threat Elimination Tables Match, now that is extreme especially with the divas

As for Sheamus still the WWE Intercontinental Champion retaining his WWE Intercontinental Championship, I wonder just how long Sheamus has been WWE Intercontinental Champion now? Because Sheamus he has had one of the longest title reigns with the IC Title in recent memory so he has been on a rather awesome run as IC Champion taking on all comers and beating all comers, realistically Sheamus at this point he doesn't really even need the IC Title anymore and he should even be main eventing

Six superstars went into Backlash tonight looking to win the vacant WWE Championship, and after two draining matches, it was John Cena who emerged victorious against Edge to win his fourth WWE Championship, now making him a five time world champion.

He first overcame Chris Jericho and a spirited effort from Kofi Kingston in the first semi final of the night, eventually making Kofi tap out to the STFU. His opponent for the massive title clash, Edge, then came up against Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam in an highly entertaining match with all three superstars having chances to win. It was The Rated-R Superstar however who came out on top after taking advantage of a Five Star Frog Splash on Mysterio, leaving RVD absolutely devastated to miss out.

Jericho was devastated too, more angry really, having a meltdown backstage, vowing to deny Cena the chance to leave New Jersey as the WWE Champion. He certainly tried, but it backfired and he ended up costing Edge the title when he went to blast Cena in the head with a steel chair, only for Cena to duck and Edge to feel the force.

It was a bad night for Jericho & Edge but certainly a good one for our new WWE Champion, who it has to be said didn't look too comfortable with the continued negative reaction from the fans that's only increased since his incredible victory over The Undertaker at Wrestlemania. It looks like the hostility could now be getting to Cena. Is this the case? Maybe we'll get an indication of that on Raw tomorrow night live from Memphis, Tennessee.

Here is hoping John Cena turns heel because I mean it is inevitable that he is set to turn heel I mean the hostility has been getting to Cena and it got worse at WrestleMania when he ended The Undertaker's career by ending the streak becoming the most hated man in the WWE being booed everywhere he goes every time he wrestles a match hell even the children and women are starting to boo Cena a bit, I know the male audience they have hated Cena from time and their hate has grown even more exponentially so if Cena turns heel then all I will say is that it is about time

Tonight on Raw, live from Memphis, we'll hear from the new WWE Champion, John Cena. It's been an incredible month for the more controversial than ever Cena, and having got the phenomenal win over The Undertaker at Wrestlemania four weeks ago, he followed it up by emerging from Backlash victorious to win his 4th WWE title. Just what does the future hold for the champ, and will it be a happy champion we see tonight when he speaks about his latest triumph? Will this be more popular than his win over The Undertaker?

We will also discover what punishment Triple H will face for the attack on Bryan Danielson, as well as the incident with the official in that attack. Eric Bischoff announced last week that the Board of Directors were discussing what action to take. What fate will befall The King of Kings tonight in Memphis?

There's bound to be two very unhappy superstars with John Cena's WWE Championship victory last night in Chris Jericho & Edge. Jericho vowed to do whatever he had to to stop Cena getting his hands on the title, but he ended up playing a big part in Cena's victory when he accidentally hit Edge instead with a steel chair during the clash between Cena & Edge for the gold. Maybe Edge will be even angrier than Jericho that Cena was the one to win the vacant WWE title. Surely we'll find out later on this evening.

It's bound to be an eventful night from the Sommet Center in Music City. Make sure you join us as it's bound to be a show you won't want to miss!

WWE Championship Tournament Semi Final #1
Kofi Kingston vs John Cena vs Chris Jericho
Jericho was pissed and stalked him as he stood back up, getting ready for the Codebreaker, but Kofi made his way back up, distracting Jericho who ran at him, into another Trouble In Paradise from Kofi. Jericho rolled out of the ring as the Jamaican then turned round, Cena was back on his feet and away from the ropes. Kofi panicked and ran at him, into an F-U with Cena turning him over on to his front to again apply the STFU. The crowd again tried to help Kofi, but to no avail this time as he was eventually left with no choice but to tap out. Cena stood up to get his arm raised, not a popular figure, not that it seemed to bother him as he got his arm raised by the referee, now one win away from becoming the WWE Champion once again, leaving Jericho fuming as he sat up on the outside.

***

WWE Championship Tournament Semi Final #2
Rob Van Dam vs Rey Mysterio vs Edge
It was RVD & Rey who then went at it with Edge by the ropes, and the control of the match went back in Van Dam's favour when he dodged a springboard reverse cross body. As Rey then picked himself back up, he turned round, right into a back kick to the head that just sent him falling back on to the mat. He was all but out, and up to the top went RVD once more with the crowd willing him up. Rey was out of it, completely helpless, and RVD leapt through the sky again, coming down for the Five Star Frog Splash. It was crazy loud again too with the fans cheering, but Edge was back on his feet and he ran across the mat to grab & toss RVD out of the ring before covering Rey, picking up the three count to win the match and a shot at Cena and the WWE title later on, much to the disgust of the crowd. He stood up looking so smug as RVD sat up on the outside, so frustrated.

***

We were taken backstage where Chris Jericho was having a hissy fit, throwing foldout chairs around. He stopped and said to himself that he's absolutely sick of Cena, that he can't let him become WWE champion, and that he won't let it happen, that no way in hell is he letting Cena leave champion. The camera zoomed in on him, and there's no doubt Jericho meant every word as he grabbed & threw another chair across the floor.

WWE Championship Tournament Final
John Cena vs Edge
When they made their way back up, Edge went for an Irish whip, but it was reversed by Cena and Edge was fired into the ropes. He grabbed on to them and held on with Cena then running in at him. Edge lifted his boot up, driving it down Cena's throat, sending him staggering away from the ropes. As soon as Cena turned in a spin, Edge ran out at him, taking him down with a spear to a big pop with some boos too. Edge wasted no time throwing himself on top of Cena for the cover, but Cena was the one to get his shoulder up this time, and Edge was pissed. He smacked the mat, and he didn't want to believe it. He questioned the ref, getting told it was two, and it looked like he was then going to try putting Cena in the Sharpshooter, but Cena blocked it and kicked back at Edge, sending Edge crashing back into the referee, putting the ref down. Edge stood back up looking at the ref, taking his eye off Cena, who stood up and hit the F-U to put Edge back down with no ref to make the count. The arena was full of more cheers & boos with Cena surveying the scene, but then the crowd came to life again and we saw Chris Jericho run down the aisle and slide into the ring. Cena turned round, confused, and Jericho ran at him, ducking an instinctive right hand from Cena, and he dropped to his knees to low blow Cena to another bag of cheers & boos. Jericho stood up staring down furiously at Cena, and then left the ring, grabbing a steel chair and sliding back in with it as Cena was clawing his way back up.

Jericho was like a man possessed, desperate to take Cena's head off. With the ref down and Edge stirring, Cena looked in real trouble as Jericho lined him up. Cena made it up and Jericho charged at him, swinging the chair at his head, but Cena ducked it and Edge walked right into it, leaving Jericho stunned. Cena then spun him round, lifted him off his feet and planted him with the F-U, and the arena was engulfed with noise. Cena kicked out the chair and Jericho rolled over to the apron and out of the ring as Edge struggled back on to his knees, absolutely all over the place with Cena turning to see it. Cena looked half guilty as Edge then just managed to make it back up, walking right into an F-U as the referee came round. Cena saw it and made the cover with the referee crawling across to make a slow count, but it got to three, making Cena a four time WWE Champion, and a lot of the crowd did not like it. Cena showed his emotions as he stood up, taking in the reaction, taking the boos badly as the referee shook off the cobwebs and crawled over to the apron, and the title was handed to him. He stood up, still groggy as he walked towards the emotional Cena, who when passed the title, didn't take his eyes off it, feeling good about himself and threw it up into the air emphatically, not caring about the boos then with the title back in his hands for the first time in 18 months. Jericho was pissed as he looked up from the floor, seeing Cena there not holding back in showing off his fourth WWE title and 5th world title as Edge too started to stir.

We were told by Jim Ross that we would hear from the new WWE Champion, John Cena and that Triple H will find out what from Eric Bischoff what punishment he will face with rumours spreading like wildfire that he could will lose his job later on.

Quote:

*Video Recap*
From Two Weeks Ago!

WWE Championship Qualifying Match for BacklashKofi Kingston vs Chris Jericho
Kofi though got his knees up, lifting them into Jericho's stomach, and as both men picked themselves back up and turned to face each other, Kofi caught him with the Trouble In Paradise again to a huge pop. Jericho hit the deck and rolled over towards the ropes and on to his stomach with Kofi crawling after him on his hands & knees, turning him over to hook then near leg, getting the three count to the delight of the crowd. His music hit and he stood up with the ref raising his hand, both oblivious to Jericho's foot being on the bottom rope, and the replay showed it was there before the count got to three. Jericho was still in a bad way and rolled out of the ring, unable to see Kofi celebrating with no one other than JR & King having noticed the foot on the rope. The fans carried on cheering the thrilled Kofi as he celebrated on the ropes and then back up the ramp, throwing both his arms up in the air on the stage at the end of the show with a groggy Jericho sitting up on the floor baffled as to what happened.

*The Opening Match*Kofi Kingston vs Chris Jericho
Kofi had the chance to beat Jericho after the controversy of their match two weeks ago, and Jericho was in such a foul mood that his concentration wasn't there in the beginning. Kofi took full advantage to dominate the early parts of the match, but Jericho's aggression built up after the slow start, and he took his frustration out on Kofi, pummelling the poor Jamaican. That didn't end Kofi's challenge, and they both came close to getting the win, and Jericho was livid when Kofi got his foot on the rope after the Codebreaker. He was especially angry that the referee saw it after the ending to their match two weeks ago. He then tried to lock in the Walls of Jericho, dragging him away from the ropes, but Kofi kicked up at him, sending Jericho back across the mat. As they then both made their way back up, Jericho ran at Kofi, missed with a wild clothesline and Kofi exploded with the Trouble In Paradise. Jericho though grabbed Kofi's boot, then dropped down to grab his other foot to turn him over and this time lock in the Walls of Jericho. The fans did all they could to encourage Kofi, and he responded by fighting to the ropes with Jericho desperately trying to keep him from them, but he couldn't and Kofi eventually got there to a big pop.

Jericho was fuming at having to let the hold go and he looked like he was going to snap, turning in a flash to leave the ring and grab a steel chair. More boos came from the crowd and he slid back in the ring gunning for Kofi, who was coming round when "Metalingus" blasted out and 'The Rated-R Superstar' Edge (in jeans and a T-shirt) emerged from the back with a face like thunder, glaring down at the ring and the man who blasted him with a steel chair last night, albeit accidentally in his WWE Championship match with John Cena last night. Most of the stunned crowd cheered Edge, anticipating what he was about to do. Jericho was stunned too and just looked up at the raging Rated-R Superstar, and then Edge burst down the ramp and dived under the bottom rope to a huge cheer. Usually the villain, Edge ducked as Jericho ran at him swinging the chair, then ran through into the ropes, came back off to spear Jericho out of his boots, and the fans loved it as he then continued pummelling Jericho with eight hands to the head. The ref had already called for the bell as Kofi stood up, completely shocked by what was happening, and when Edge stood up they looked at each other awkwardly, and Kofi then left the ring.

The Rated-R Superstar, with the fans unusually cheering him, looked down to see the chair Jericho brought in the ring, and with Jericho down, Edge picked it up and placed the chair under Jericho's head, then left the ring to get another chair. The fans knew what was coming, and they were loving it as the incredibly pissed off Canadian climbed back in the ring with the other chair, but Jericho rolled out of the ring, out of harm's way, or so he thought. Edge dropped the chair and ran towards the ropes Jericho just rolled out under, then hit a baseball slide to send the unsuspecting Jericho in the back and into the security wall. The fans were cheering still as Edge, looking like a man possessed slid outside and pulled Jericho back up to his feet and then sent him crashing into the steel steps. Officials then ran down the ramp and blocked him off from Jericho, setting off a chorus of boos inside the arena. "Metalingus" then hit again and the incensed Edge reluctantly had to back away from the ring with Jericho writhing around on the floor with officials checking on him.

Winner: Chris Jericho by DQ.

*Commercial Break*

>5 Weeks!<

We were shown footage of what went down before the break with the incensed Edge attacking Chris Jericho until he was held back by officials.

Edge was then shown walking through the back and was approached by Todd Grisham, who asked Edge why he just attacked Chris Jericho like that. The Rated-R Superstar looked at him like he was stupid and said it was simple, that last night Chris Jericho cost him the chance to be the WWE Champion for whatever reason he got involved. Edge was clearly still angry about it and said that he was desperate to win the WWE title and that he let Jericho know just how much he wanted it and how much he blames Jericho for costing him the chance to win it. He then told Todd that he doesn't think he's got it all out of his system yet and to go tell Jericho that when he's able to get up that he's damn lucky someone stepped in to save him because next time he might not be so lucky. Todd looked slightly taken aback by Edge's intensity as the Canadian then walked out of the shot having sent everyone a message on this night.

We went back into the arena where Jerry 'The King' Lawler was in the ring, microphone in hand with his music playing, and the Memphis crowd cheered him and chanted "Jerry" over & over. The King was feeling sentimental and told them all how great it was to be in Memphis, the city closest to his heart which holds probably the best memories of his life. He told the fans he wanted to thank them for all the appreciation they've shown him over the years and said that he was eternally grateful, and then "Written In My Face" played and the Intercontinental Champion, Sheamus walked out to the stage, looking totally unimpressed. The King didn't know what was going on and stood there watching as Sheamus headed down the ramp into the ring. The Celtic Warrior said that he was backstage and heard all this sentimental garbage and he felt the need to walk out and tell King that no one cares what happened such a long time ago. King obviously wasn't happy, and neither were the fans, not that Sheamus cared one bit. He then told Lawler that no one wanted to hear about his stories and that no one wanted to see him in the ring anymore, telling him he doesn't belong in it anymore and that he should leave it for his own sake unless he wants to be hurt, and hurt badly.

There were emphatic chants of "Jerry" and he stood his ground, and Sheamus joked that the old dog's got balls but if he had a brain he'd get the hell out of the ring before he embarrassed him in the disgusting city he loves so much. That just drew even more heat from the Memphis crowd and King was defiant, telling Sheamus that he wasn't going anywhere, so it must mean Sheamus would have to make him. Sheamus cracked a smile and looked impressed by King's guts, then told everyone that he didn't have the heart to do it and that he didn't want to disappoint the people of Memphis anymore than they already are just by having to live in the dump he can't wait to get out of, which he was just about to do. He told King to enjoy his little moment while he's headed to the airport, and then he dropped the microphone and turned to walk back across the ring. He went to step through the ropes but quickly stood back up and dropped his title to charge across the ring and take the unsuspecting King's head off with the Brogue Kick to an absolute barrage of boos from the Memphis fans. Sheamus just stood over him with a smirk on his face, no regrets at all and his music played again, then he did leave, smirking back up the ramp as an EMT ran down to check on The King, who was flat out on the mat with concerned fans and Jim Ross looking on.

*Commercial Break*

We got a recap of what went down before the break where Sheamus feigned leave the ring to turn back and hit Jerry 'The King' Lawler with the Brogue Kick.

Todd Grisham was shown catching up with Sheamus in the back during the break, and he asked the Intercontinental Champion whether he was sorry for leaving the Hall of Famer flat on his back in the middle of the ring for absolutely no reason. Sheamus showed no remorse and asked Todd why he should be sorry. He told him that King's had his time, that it's his time now and that after being relegated to the pre-show of Backlash last night having beaten Rey Mysterio at Wrestlemania, he felt the need to go out there and remind everyone who he is and that he's without question the most dominant Intercontinental Champion in history, and will be for a long time to come. He meant every word and then walked away, leaving Todd unimpressed by his attitude.

We then got footage of a very weary Jerry 'The King' Lawler being taken to the medic's office, but the door was shut by the medic after he said that he couldn't give any kind of update until he'd a proper look at The King but he felt he would be fine.

Quote:

*Video Recap*
Backlash - Last Night!

Melina & Kelly were really up for this, standing their ground and wanting to put Angel & Talia in their place. They came close too when Melina hit the Sunset Split on Angel, but Talia stormed the ring to break up the cover. Kelly then flew into the ring and all hell broke loose. The referee couldn't control them and Kelly & Melina took care of Sky. She ended up in the corner and Kelly ran across the ring for a Bronco Buster, and hit it. Angel was back on her feet though and pushed Melina into Kelly before rolling Melina up for a two count. As they both made their way back up, they hit each other with a double clothesline. All four divas then made their way back up with Talia tossing Kelly out of the ring. Melina went for her but Sky ducked a right hand, grabbed her and set her up for a Russian leg-sweep with Angel running at Melina, hitting the Botox Injection for their finisher, a bicycle super kick, also known as the Makeover, then covered Melina to get the win for Picture Perfect, and they sure enjoyed it, posing for the crowd on the ropes.

Todd Grisham joined Jim Ross at the announce table, just after Picture Perfect (Angel Love & Talia Sky) made their way down to the ring having taken yet another self satisfying look in the mirrors placed at the top of the stage for their entrance. Once in the ring, Angel let the crowd know that even after she & Talia beat the two tramps (Melina & Kelly Kelly) 24 hours earlier at Backlash, one of them, namely Melina had asked for a match with her earlier in the day. Love & Sky were laughing amongst themselves, and Love then said that if Melina was happy being embarrassed again that's her problem, but after she's beat Melina again, Melina won't want to be anywhere near them this time. She wrapped up by saying that if there was any doubt at all, once she's done beating Melina for the second time in 24 hours, maybe everyone will realise just how perfect she & Talia are. She & Sky really were cocky, and Melina walked out from the back with Kelly Kelly, and the multi-time Women's Champion looked like she was gunning for them and to wipe the smiles of their faces.

*Match #2*Melina w/Kelly Kelly vs Angel Love w/Talia Sky
Melina had the support of the fans as well as Kelly, and when Angel took control of the match, her & Sky's arrogance showed. It nearly came back to haunt her when Melina came fighting back thanks to Love's complacency. She was then looking all set to finish Angel off when Talia jumped up on the apron, distracting Melina, who was intent on finishing the job. She shifted towards Talia, who was then pulled down by Kelly to a pop from the crowd. Talia reacted by slapping her and they went at it on the floor when Melina turned round into a Botox Injection, a bicycle super kick. Melina was floored and Angel dragged her right back up with no resistance as Talia sent Kelly crashing into the security wall. Sky then watched on as Angel set Melina up for the Love Bite as JR called it, previously known as "Break A Bitch", an inverted facelock transitioned into a double knee backbreaker. Melina couldn't kick out and Angel secured the win, much to her & Sky's delight, and they soaked up the heat with smug smiles of satisfaction with Kelly & Melina left to endure the pain inflicted on them.

Winner: Angel Love by pinfall.

Triple H was shown arriving in the arena looking somewhat tentative, conscious that he was going to be punished for his actions of two weeks ago. He was jumped on by Leticia Cline, who was awaiting his arrival, and she asked him if he was at all nervous about what fate may befall him with rumours circulating that he could lose his job later on. That clearly hit a nerve and he stared right at Leticia, and he told her that Eric Bischoff wouldn't dare fire Triple H, but if he tries, we'd all see what happens.

*Commercial Break*

Quote:

*Video Recap*
Backlash - Last Night!

Cody went looking for Cross Rhodes but Gabriel pulled back and sent him into the ropes, then nailed him with an enzuigiri. Cody fell flat on his face and Hennig stormed the ring as Gabriel got up, but Gabriel ducked a clothesline. Hennig ran into the ropes and Gabriel ran in at him to clothesline him over the top, getting the fans going even more, and then Gabriel turned back to Cody, who was spark out on the mat. He walked towards him and pulled him closer to the corner, then stepped through the ropes to climb up to the top rope, getting set for the 450 splash. The fans were going nuts, all standing up with Cody coming round, but Hennig stood up on the outside and pulled Cody out of the ring out of harm's way. He then backed away from the ring with Cody as Gabriel jumped down off the ropes on to the mat with Morrison looking on in shell shocked with the ref counting Cody & Joe out. J'n'J couldn't believe their eyes, and the crowd were booing like mad, and it was deafening with boos as the count got to ten. Morrison & Gabriel were disgusted, shaking their heads with Morrison in the ring with his tag partner, staring furiously up at the backtracking duo in the aisle who knew they had a lucky escape. They then turned round to walk to the back, leaving their angry opponents behind in the ring, still shaking their heads in disbelief & frustration.

After that footage we were told on a voiceover by J.R. that J'n'J will meet The King's Men in a rematch next week live on Raw, and then we were shown comments from earlier in the day from both teams, starting with The King's Men (Cody Rhodes & Joe Hennig). Cody said that he didn't care if they were being called cowards because the truth is that it was a match they never wanted to be in, were uncomfortable with and forced into. With all that said, he claimed it was smart as they technically weren't beaten, but as for next week, the only thing they were concerned about was what happens to Triple H later on.

John Morrison & Justin Gabriel's comments were then shown, and Morrison called them cowards, saying Rhodes & Hennig knew they were about to lose so they ran away. He then said it was only going to be a matter of time he & Gabriel got their hands on them again and had the chance to beat them like they would've at Backlash, and that next week they were going to do just that.

"I Came To Play" was playing in the arena with The Miz (in his ring gear) standing in the middle of the ring, not looking very happy and holding a microphone. When his music cut he complained about how much of a travesty it was he wasn't on the card at Wrestlemania, but to not even be at Backlash was a joke. He claimed he was a readymade star and that he should be in matches like the ones last night to crown a new WWE Champion instead of nobodies like Kofi Kingston for example. That drew heat from the crowd and he continued, telling everyone that he was taking matters into his own hands, and he issued a challenge to anyone in the back to a match so he could prove he's the breakout star waiting to happen. He handed the microphone back to Lilian Garcia and removed his T-shirt, awaiting a response, and he got an emphatic one when "One Of A Kind" hit to a huge pop with Rob Van Dam walking out to the stage. Miz didn't look too happy, and after RVD beat him a couple of weeks ago for a spot in last night's tournament, it wasn't a big surprise. Van Dam walked down to the ring with purpose, showing obvious disappointment he didn't win the WWE title 24 hours earlier.

*Match #3*Rob Van Dam vs The Miz
Both men were up for this one and the fans were right behind RVD the whole way. Miz though was out to prove a point, and made a good show of himself. He took great pleasure when in control of the match, but it didn't stay that way. Van Dam came back at him, getting the crowd going even more. The Miz couldn't cope with him and after a back kick to the head, he fell back on to the mat and Van Dam went to the corner and jumped up to the top rope. He was feeling froggy but Miz sat up and rolled out of harm's way before RVD could steady himself on the top rope. Miz rolled under the bottom rope and was heading to the back with a disgusted RVD watching after jumping down off the top. The boos then turned into cheers when Kofi Kingston walked out from the back behind The Miz, and Miz turned to see him there, and it looked like Kofi didn't take too kindly to Miz's words before. Miz backed up and turned back to look at the ring, and Kofi tossed him back in, pissing Miz off as he stood back up, shouting angrily at Kofi on the outside. Kofi just looked totally unimpressed, and when Miz eventually turned round, he walked into a roundhouse kick from Van Dam. The crowd went crazy for RVD as he again hit the dizzy heights of the top rope, and this time he hit the Five Star Frog Splash to pick up the win with Kofi smiling on the outside before turning to walk back up the ramp, leaving RVD to celebrate his win in front of the cheering crowd.

Winner: Rob Van Dam by pinfall.

Eric Bischoff, Raw's Head of Authority was then shown walking through the back, seemingly headed to the ring looking very serious indeed and surrounded by a group of 10 security officers.

*Commercial Break*

Picture Perfect (Angel Love & Talia Sky) were shown walking in the back, and they came across The Bella Twins, Brie & Nikki. Angel & Talia were clearly amused to see the twins and made jokes at their expense, calling them the girls who aren't pretty enough to be in the WWE by themselves. Talia then joked to Angel that one of them even turned one of the guys gay, and they were laughing amongst themselves, and Brie had to hold a furious Nikki back. Angel then told them that not everyone could be as perfect as her & Talia and it's normal to be jealous of them, just like everyone else is, and off they walked, leaving the angry & unimpressed Bellas behind.

"Back In Black" played and out to the stage walked Eric Bischoff, followed by a group of 10 security officers, and he walked on down to the ring with security joining him in there. He collected a microphone and the fans were cheering as he, taking things very seriously, said that he was sure everyone knew why he was there and what he was about to deal with, but for those who may not, he'd show them what he was talking about.

Quote:

*Video Recap*
From Two Weeks Ago!

"Ride of the Valkyries" hit and Bryan Danielson walked out into the arena, getting a big pop from the Philadelphia crowd, looking very calm but focused too, getting a lift from the fans as he headed off down the ramp. They were right behind The American Dragon as he made his way down towards the ring, gaining in confidence with every step, but then we saw a vengeful Triple H run up behind him and nail him in the back. Danielson fell forward on to his hands & knees and his music stopped, and the boos came flooding in, getting louder as The King of Kings put the boots to Danielson. He was like a man possessed and he dragged Danielson up to send him crashing into the security wall to more heat, and the sadistic Triple H stopped to look into the crowd, showing no remorse whatsoever as the referee jumped out of the ring to check on Danielson. Trips ignored him and carried on with the unprovoked attack, this time dragging Danielson up to send him into the steep steps to yet more furious heat from the Philly fans. The top step came off and Trips saw an opportunity, looking at the steps and turning back to the helpless Danielson. The Game picked the steel step up, turning back with it to Danielson with his arms stretched out on the base. The referee pleaded with Trips not to do it but he didn't listen and even kicked the ref in the gut. The ref fell to his knees and Triple H brushed his boot into the ref's face to focus on Danielson again.

The fans looked on so worried and tried to warn Danielson as Trips raised the steel up above Danielson's right arm, then brought it crashing down on to the arm. Danielson screamed out in agony, and that to hurt, understandably. Triple H dropped the steel but the crowd were fuming, booing the crap out of the remorseless son of a bitch. EMT's came racing down to ringside to help Danielson, immediately looking at his am, with Triple H watching, standing back without an ounce of regret. He was just watching as Danielson was helped to sit up, holding his arm looking in a great deal of pain, caring only about his arm and not the man that caused it. He was then helped up to his feet to take him to the back, but The Game struck again from the side with a shot to the side of the head. It put Danielson back down and the boos got even louder for the despicable Triple H as he stomped all over the injured arm, holding off the EMT's attempts to stop him. Danielson was screaming again and finally Triple H relented with the arena full of contempt for him as the medics again rushed to attend to the injured Danielson, and The King of Kings gazed into the crowd, not the least bit sorry for his heinous actions.

***

Eric Bischoff was shown confronting Triple H as The Game walked remorselessly back from the ring, and Raw's Head of Authority was absolutely raging, screaming at him in asking him why he did what he did and that he's just ruined a match he arranged especially. The King of Kings' only response was that Danielson got what he deserved for running his mouth but Bischoff said it wasn't an excuse and that he's now a man down for Backlash, and he then let Triple H know that he can sure as hell forget about getting a chance at becoming WWE Champion at Backlash. That infuriated The Game but he was told it was all his fault and Bischoff let him know if he forgot that he put his hands on the referee too. Bischoff was enraged and said he didn't want to deal with him tonight and told the security that appeared to get him out of his sight and out of the arena. Trips tried & failed to argue his case as Bischoff just ignored him and told security just to throw him out, and they did, leaving an angry Bischoff behind. He turned round to see Bryan Danielson, still supporting his right arm being helped back by the medics and he went to see how he was, and the medics told him they need to get him to hospital. Bischoff told them to take him and he apologised to Danielson and told him he'd deal with Triple H, and Danielson said that he would too even when Bischoff's done with him. As Danielson then walked out of the shot with the medics, Bischoff said that he (Danielson) might not get the chance.

Back to the ring and Bischoff said that was just the latest incident involving Triple H where he's put his hands on an official, not to mention what he did to Bryan Danielson and how it affected the WWE Championship tournament, leaving them one man short. He then announced that the new champion, John Cena would be in the ring later on as he apparently has a message for the fans, but quickly went back to Triple H and said that after almost two weeks of discussions with the board of directors about what punishment to take against him, a decision had finally been made. He then invited Triple H down to the ring, and it didn't take too long for "King of Kings" to play and 'The King of Kings' himself, Triple H walked out into the arena to a chorus of boos, very serious indeed. He stepped in the ring and took a look at the security shifting in & around Bischoff, and the first thing Trips said was asking Bischoff if the security was really that necessary, and that if Eric did plan on firing him, they wouldn't stop him getting his hands on him.

Bischoff just smirked and said that's exactly where the problem lies, Triple H's attitude & arrogance in believing he can do whatever he wants, having no respect whatsoever for authority. He told Trips that no matter what punishment he's given him in the past, it's not stopped Triple H attacking whoever he saw fit, stating that it had to be dealt with now once & for all. The King of Kings wanted to add his say and told Bischoff that whatever he did, he had a reason, and that Bischoff was the one abusing his position to make him defend the WWE Championship in the Royal Rumble, and then make him the number one entrant. Bischoff cut in and told Trips that they've been through it before but he was happy to again, saying that putting him in the Rumble was a business decision and that making him number one in the Rumble was a way of punishing him when he could've easily fired him since it wasn't the first time he put his hands on an official. Bischoff let him know that it wasn't just any official, it was him, and that Trips should consider himself very lucky he was even allowed to defend & participate in the Rumble after that.

He then moved on to say that was all water under the bridge as far as he was concerned until Triple H acted in the way he did two weeks ago, attacking Danielson without reason and AGAIN putting his hands on an official. Bischoff said that was the issue, that Triple H has on several occasions attacked officials without remorse and not once learnt from it, something which is totally unacceptable, and he told Trips that it could've lost him his a job a long time ago. The Game spoke out and said that what Bischoff needed to realise was that he's the man that made Raw what it is, that for the last ten years Raw has been his show and sometimes these things happen. Bischoff told him that he was wrong and that officials don't deserve to be attacked, no matter how big someone's ego may be or who they were married to, but thankfully he said the latter wasn't an issue anymore. He insinuated that Triple H had this coming but clarified that Stephanie had no say in this decision, not that it particularly mattered if she did. Triple H was looking more worried and Bischoff said that what Triple H had to know was that the decision that has been made was emphatic, that it wasn't taken lightly and his status as one of Raw's top stars was taken into account.

Before he could announce the decision, Trips said that he wanted to explain what happened two weeks ago, that Danielson ran his mouth, but Bischoff didn't have any of it and said it was no excuse, and if it was Raw would be chaos if superstars were attacked for having an unpopular opinion. He then told The Game that he can have no excuse, no defence for what he's consistently done, which is why he and the board have come to the decision they have. There was a brief pause with the crowd waiting impatiently, and then Bischoff announced that the decision is, effectively immediately, Triple H is fired! The crowd erupted with cheers but the rage was coming over Trips's face, and the security workers all shifted in front of Bischoff, and Raw's Head of Authority suggested that Triple H leave the ring & arena with no fuss unless he wanted to be thrown out. You could see he was ready to erupt, his face scrunched up, but he had no way of getting past security, and he clearly was thinking about it, glaring fiercely at Bischoff. They eventually ushered him out of the ring. The unsympathetic crowd started singing the "hey hey hey goodbye" song at him as Bischoff watched from the ring with the furious & fired Triple H being ushered back up the ramp and to the back.

*Commercial Break*

In the back, Triple H was being shown the door, and he had The King's Men (Cody Rhodes & Joe Hennig) with him, trying to argue his case. Security had them outnumbered over three to one and they were left with no choice, and as angry as he was, The King of Kings had to walk through the door to the parking lot with Eric Bischoff overseeing his removal. The Game stared right at him, and with his parting shot, he told Bischoff that he hadn't heard the last of it. Rhodes & Hennig followed, much to the sweet satisfaction on the look of Bischoff's face, and he told security to make sure he left and didn't come back. They did as they were told, and as Bischoff turned round, he was treated to the company of the new WWE Champion, John Cena. Given his title win last night, he wasn't looking like a man who'd won the WWE title. Nonetheless, Bischoff congratulated him on his victory and Cena thanked him for it, then told him he did a brave thing getting rid of Triple H but that it was the right thing. Bischoff agreed he had no choice and that Raw would be a better place from now on without him, but Cena then told Bischoff that he might think differently later on because he plans on being brave & bold when he speaks to the fans later too. Bischoff was confused and asked Cena what he was talking about, but the WWE Champion simply told him that he'd have to wait to hear what he has to say. Off then walked Cena with Bischoff incredibly intrigued about what Cena planned to say later on.

With Gregory Helms in the ring awaiting his opponent, the now unmistakable music of Cesaro, the dominant Swiss superstar hit and he walked out to the stage with a microphone. He was met by boos and said that after a month being in the WWE he is still to receive any competition whatsoever, that he's disappointed by the lack of desire or courage shown by true fighters. He looked down at Helms and said that he hoped his opponent would give him his first real challenge or it might make him even angrier, but that Helms really didn't want that. He put the microphone down and then carried on walking down to the ring with Helms showing signs of being slightly intimidated.

*Match #4*Gregory Helms w/Matt Hardy & Shannon Moore vs Cesaro
Cesaro started off as dominant as he has been, but when he urged Helms to get up, he got more than he bargained before. Helms rallied and threw everything he had at the unbeaten Swiss warrior, catching him well & truly by surprise. Hardy & Moore were willing him on outside the ring as he started to rattle Cesaro. He couldn't put him down until he had him teetering after a dropkick, and then went up top to hit a missile dropkick. Down went Cesaro, but he kicked out easily before the count of two. Helms had to think fast and go right back to work, and he went back to the top rope. This time he came jumping off for a diving cross body, but Cesaro caught him in midair, then showed off his incredible strength by throwing him up in the air, on to his shoulder and planted him with a powerslam. Helms was in serious trouble and Hardy & Moore knew it. They could only look on as Cesaro then reached down to drag him back up. He fired Helms hard into the corner, and he staggered out wincing, right into Cesaro who lifted him off his feet, shooting him up into the air and he nailed Helms as he came back down with the devastating forearm smash to the face. Helms looked like he was knocked out cold, and Cesaro could've won the match there, but instead he dragged him right back up for the Neutralizer, and with no resistance from Helms, Cesaro hit it and picked up yet another victory to keep his impressive reign of dominance going. Hardy & Moore looked shocked by the relative ease of the win, but again Cesaro didn't look too pleased at coasting to a victory as he got his arm raised and looked out into the crowd.

Winner: Cesaro by pinfall.

*Commercial Break*

Quote:

*Video Recap*
Backlash - Last Night!

Falls Count Anywhere[/B]
O.D.B. vs Queen Kong
O.D.B. & Kong were on a mission to beat each other, and the Unified Diva's Champion, Beth Phoenix joined J.R. & The King at the announce table to watch the two wannabe contenders go at it. Kong left the ring, grabbing a table and slid it in the ring, and just as she was about to climb back on the apron, she turned her head and stared back at Beth. She turned round on the floor and walked the short distance to the announce table, staring right at the Diva's Champion, and The Glamazon stood her ground, standing up and taking off her headset, then walking round the table, getting right in Kong's face. The behemoth became filled with rage and hammered Beth, then drove her head into the announce table to heat from the crowd. She showed no remorse with Beth down rolling around on the floor, and she headed back in the ring as O.D.B. stood back up, greeting her with a kick to the gut and following it up with a DDT. Kong kicked out of a cover and used the ropes to help get back up on her feet, and Beth crawled to the apron as O.D.B. set her sights on Kong again.

Beth though swept Kong's feet from under her and slid back in the ring to pummel her, to the surprise of O.D.B. and the referee. They tried to stop her, but The Glamazon ignored then and stood up, grabbing the table and setting it up to a big pop from the fans. She then called for O.D.B.'s help despite the referee telling Beth to get out of there, but she wouldn't and pulled Kong into place for a suplex by the table, calling for O.D.B. to help her, and she did. Again the referee warned Beth, and as they then suplexed Kong through the table to a big roar inside the arena, the referee called for the bell and threw the match out, confusing everyone until Lilian Garcia announced that due to outside interference, he was ruling it a no contest getting a ton of heat from the fans. O.D.B. wasn't happy at all and questioned both the referee and the unrepentant Diva's Champion, who spent most of her time staring at Kong writhing around amongst the wreckage, unaware of the fury on the face of O.D.B.

***

There was a minor row in the back between the Diva's Champion, Beth Phoenix & O.D.B. O.D.B. was asking her what the hell she was doing but Beth apologised while saying that it wasn't anything that hadn't already happened to her, bringing up Wrestlemania when O.D.B. got involved in her match with Kong. O.D.B. though said that Beth won that match while she had hers called a no contest and Beth told O.D.B. that Kong just attacked her at ringside, asking what she was supposed to do when Eric Bischoff walked into the shot holding the WWE title, and he wasn't too happy by what happened earlier. He told Beth he understood why she snapped but that she couldn't get involved in matches like that, especially after what happened at Wrestlemania and as the Diva's Champion, she should be setting an example. O.D.B. was told that she can't really argue given her role in what happened at Wrestlemania but that he'd just spoken to Vince McMahon and they'd come to a solution. Both women were listening intently, and Bischoff told them that along with Kong they will all meet in a triple threat match at Extreme Rules for the Diva's Championship and that after what happened just now it will be an elimination table match. He left them with that, walking away as they disgusted the information, looking awkwardly at each other.

*Match #5*
Non-Title MatchBeth Phoenix vs Mia Rain
The Glamazon was making her first ring appearance since becoming the Unified Diva's Champion at Wrestlemania last month, and with her ribs healed up, she looked back to her old self. Rain though, the woman she beat last summer to become the first Diva's Champion didn't make it easy for her. There was still some needle there on Rain's side, and she looked to get some long overdue payback. Sensibly she targeted Beth's ribs, and Beth had to fight to hang on. She was up for the fight though, and she had to be, just getting her shoulder up after a double knee backbreaker transitioned into a falling gutbuster. Rain could smell blood and was stalking Beth for the Rain Drop, a falling reverse DDT, and the fans were looking worried, rightly so. Beth though responded by pulling back and shoving Rain into the ropes, nailing her as she bounced back with a double axe-handle shot to the chest. Rain tried to get right back up, and Beth was on her, kicking her in the gut before scooping her off her feet and into the air for a gorilla press, then dropped her on to the mat. Rain was hurt by the strong impact, and she was there for the taking. Beth helped her up from the knees and hit The Grand Slam to a big pop from the fans, and she got the three count after a real fight.

As soon as she stood up and got her arm raised, the ominous music of Queen Kong hit, and the very angry behemoth came down the ramp looking more menacing than ever. The Glamazon was rightfully concerned. Kong entered the ring and ran right at Beth, and they went at it. Beth defended herself but Kong quickly had her at her mercy, firing her into the corner and running in for a splash. Beth fell flat on her face and Kong then left the ring to grab a table from under the ring to a mixed response from the crowd. Some were happy at the sight of a table, but a lot were concerned for Beth. Kong slid it in the ring and climbed back in to set it up as the Diva's Champion made it up to her knees. All of a sudden a pop came from the crowd and O.D.B. ran down to the ring. Kong's other rival, and opponent last night nailed her from behind as Beth clawed her way back up to her feet to see O.D.B. taking it to Kong. The fans cheered as O.D.B. slugged it out with her, and just as Kong looked like getting the upper hand, Beth joined in to help O.D.B., overpowering Kong, and then like last night, together they suplexed her through the table to a big pop from the fans. With Kong lying in the wreckage, Beth & O.D.B. had a very awkward look at each other as Beth's music played with the Diva's Champion in a combustible situation heading into Extreme Rules in two weeks.

Winner: Beth Phoenix by pinfall.

*Commercial Break*

The unpopular World Tag Team Champions, The Epitome of Excellence (Christopher Daniels & Kaval) walked out into the arena looking as confident as ever, and once they stepped into the ring, Daniels went to borrow the microphone from Lilian Garcia. He told the crowd that last night they again backed up just how good he & Kaval are, how deserving they are of the world tag team titles by beating the team that weren't beaten when they lost the titles. Daniels continued, saying that the outcome was never in doubt as he & Kaval simple are pure excellence individually, and even more so as a team, but he conceded that words don't always mean everything. He said that he was aware of their critics, as wrong as they are he pointed out, that they're not as excellent as he & Kaval make out. He admitted that actions speak louder than words, which was why earlier in the evening they asked to defend their titles against any team Eric Bischoff felt appropriate, and Daniels said that Bischoff made the best decision he could have, because their imminent opponents were going to be the team they 'controversially' defeated for the titles three months ago in Rey Mysterio & Mystico. The crowd got excited and Daniels told them they should be excited as they were going to witness a tremendous contest, but a contest he & Kaval would win to put an end to any doubt they are without question the rightful & deserving World Tag Team Champions. That drew some heat from the fans, and after he handed the microphone back to Lilian, "Booyaka 619" hit and Rey Mysterio & Mystico came flying out to the stage from the back, ready for action and a chance to regain their titles they've yet to claim their rematch for. Daniels & Kaval unstrapped their titles and watched their determined opponents coming down the ramp, anticipating a battle to hang on to their titles.

*The Main Event*
World Tag Team ChampionshipRey Mysterio & Mystico w/Shannon Moore
vs The Epitome of Excellence (c)
The fans were treated to a great contest for the tag team titles, and the Mexican duo certainly were ready to give it everything to reclaim the titles they lost three months ago. The champions though were prepared to fight like their lives depended on it to keep them, and they had to fight hard. With the fans on the side of Rey & Mystico, they spurred them on no end, and Kaval had to show some serious resolve when Mystico was firing on all cylinders. Kaval only just kicked out after a springboard moonsault, and then a high angle crossbody with Mystico feeling the momentum. The Mexican helped him up from his knees and ran into the ropes for a springboard DDT, but Kaval threw him off his shoulders into the mat. Kaval watched him closely, staring intently at him as he got up to his knees, and Kaval ran past him into the ropes for the Tidal Wave (springboard roundhouse), but Mystico ducked it and exploded with a super kick. The fans were out of their seats as Mystico threw himself on to Kaval to make a cover, and to the relief of Daniels in his partner's corner, Kaval just managed to get his shoulder up to keep the champions in it. Rey thought it was over and looked so disappointed on the apron, but he had the chance to do something about it himself.

Rey looked to finish the job, and after getting the tag from Mystico he climbed up to the top rope as the groggy Kaval dragged himself up on to his feet. Rey was all set to strike, and as Kaval turned his way, he dived on to his shoulders for hurricanrana, but again Kaval kicked out. He was rattled though as he made his way up, and Rey took full advantage to catch him with a drop toe hold on to the second rope, and the crowd went nuts. Rey dialled up and the fans were back on their feet in the stands. They watched on as he turned back into the ropes, stormed across the mat and connected with the 619. The champs were in deep deep trouble, and as Rey stood back up on the apron, Daniels panicked and hit the ring, but he was cut off by a springboard clothesline by Mystico. Kaval was struggling back up with Rey all set to end it, and when he came through the air for the West Cast Pop, Kaval sidestepped it, grabbed Rey and sent him crashing shoulder first into the ringpost. The crowd fell flat but Kaval halted the momentum right there to keep the titles for him & Daniels. Minutes later he brought a determined Daniels into the match to carry on taking it to Mysterio, but Rey showed serious guts, kicking out of the BME and a sidewalk slam off the top rope. Daniels' frustration was starting to boil over, and he set Rey up for the Angel's Wings.

The fans were panicking but Rey countered at the last second with a back body drop. He made it to his corner and tagged Mystico, and the Mexican jumped over the ropes to come firing at Daniels. The Mexican went all out, but Daniels tried to respond, able to reverse an Irish whip, only to duck his head and see Mystico somersault over him for a sunset flip. Daniels kicked out though, but he was rattled now, and when he made it back up, Mystico was this time able to hit the springboard DDT. The fans thought that was it but couldn't believe their eyes when Daniels just, and only just got his shoulder up to deny the Mexican duo. Rey again was gutted, but Mystico went to the apron, looking to end it, going for a slingshot corkscrew crossbody, but Daniels rolled out of the way of it. He managed to crawl across to his corner and tag Kaval, who flew into the ring, pulled Mystico up to his knees and planted him with a double underhook suplex. Kaval wasted no time going for the cover but Mystico was the one who got his shoulder up this time. The frustration was really beginning to show on Kaval's face. He continued and failed to finish Mystico, and it looked like Mystico had it after a leg trap sunset flip powerbomb, but Kaval kicked out again. Mystico went up top, looking for a senton bomb, and he got it, but Daniels stormed the ring to break up the cover with a light stamp to the back of the Mexican's head. Rey was livid and he flew into the ring and at Daniels.

The fans were cheering again, and as Daniels got up by the ropes, Rey ran at him and took both of them over the top with a high momentum clothesline. They both remained down on the floor as Mystico & Kaval clawed their way back up on the inside, where Mystico reversed a whip to the corner, sending Kaval hard into the pads. Kaval hit them hard and staggered out in pain with Mystico then running at him for a clothesline, but Kaval went all Matrix, ducking it, and when they both turned round, he caught Mystico with a lifting reverse STO. Rey was making his way back up and climbed back on to the apron, but Daniels dragged him down hard with Rey landing on the floor. Mystico looked to seize the advantage, stalking the groggy Mystico as he struggled back up to his feet, and Kaval surged past him into the ropes, hitting the springboard and then the roundhouse kick to the head for lights out. Mystico was done and Kaval made the cover, hooking both legs and getting the three count to secure a very impressive and hard fought victory for the champions, and boy did they look pleased with themselves, lifting their titles up into the air as they were passed to them by the referee with a disappointed Mysterio looking on as he sat up on the floor. The champions left the ring all smiles and turned back on the stage to pose with the gold one more time before walking to the back after arguably their best victory to date.

Winners: By pinfall, and still the World Tag Team Champions, The Epitome of Excellence.

We then got a glimpse of the very serious new WWE Champion, John Cena walking through the back, headed it would seem for the ring with the promise of some brave & bold words to come.

*Commercial Break*

>2 Weeks!<

"My Time Is Now" blasted out through the speakers of the arena to a very mixed and deafening response and the new WWE Champion, John Cena walked out to the stage, not showing the enthusiasm you would expect from the new WWE Champion. He did his trademark salute before walking down to the ring, taking the time before entering the ring, and he walked over to the ropes to lift the WWE title up into the air, getting more boos this time. He then turned to go get a microphone, and when his music cut, the boos were more clear, but there was still the usual cheers too for the controversial figure. The champ then said it's been a long 18 months since the last time he could say that "the champ was here", drawing more heat from the anti-Cena sections of the crowd. He took it in his stride, not smiling through it, keeping more than a straight face, and it looked like he was very bothered about something. Clearly he had something on his mind and Cena said that he expected the boos he gets everywhere, especially since the added "hate" he's had after he ended The Undertaker's streak at Wrestlemania. He then said that it's something he's had to deal with for over three years now and not once has he complained about it, but claimed that now it's become disrespectful. It drew more boos from some of the crowd and Cena carried on to say that no matter what he's done, who he's beat, he walks out to boos every night, but even though he said it was fine for fans to like whoever they want, what's happened since Wrestlemania is more than that.

He said that he's being blamed for The Undertaker leaving, for ending the streak, which isn't fair in his opinion and considering what he's achieved, now including becoming the WWE Champion again, he should be respected not vilified. That wound up the anti-Cena sections even more, but Cena was adamant that he's done nothing wrong, and it's only because he's John Cena that he's being treated with a blatant lack of disrespect for nothing other than doing his job and doing it damn well despite not receiving an ounce of credit from the majority of the fans. The majority of the crowd were on his back but there were some cheers, and he wanted to clear up that throughout the years he's had support from his loyal fans who he appreciates more than they could imagine and respects them enormously and will continue to do so, but that it's come to the point where no matter what he does, no matter who he beats, he will never change the opinion of the majority. He then said that he's been naive all these years for thinking differently, and when he won the WWE Championship at Backlash 24 hours earlier, it finally dawned on him that he will never be respected. The fans were heavily split, some cheering Cena's name and a lot chanting "Cena Sucks". Cena let them have their say before continuing, saying that if some fans don't like seeing him as champion, beating the streak then that's there issue as he's never going to apologise for being successful and he sure as hell won't give up. He suggested to them that there's only one thing they can do if they don't like him or the idea of him being champion is to just accept it and deal with it as he's the WWE Champion and intends to keep it that way.

The crowd let him have it, all throwing their opinions at him while he stood there taking it in, not letting the heat bother him, then "Booyaka 619" hit with a now changed Rey Mysterio walking out to the stage and down to the ring. Everyone was shocked to see him, and when in the ring he looked surprised by Cena's words while walking past him to get a microphone. First, Mysterio congratulated him on becoming the WWE Champion and then explained that he'd just come out of the shower and saw what was going on on the TV in his locker room, claiming he felt the need to go out there. Cena listened to what his friend had to say and Rey told him he gets what he's saying but like Cena's said for years, the fans are entitled to cheer & boo whoever they want, and then brought up a talk they had in Chicago three years after they both got booed out of the building at Wrestlemania. Rey reminded us of that night when he won the World Heavyweight Championship and that the only thing he could do was ignore it but said that the fans are entitled to their opinion and it's just part of the business, which he said Cena knew and why he's confused by what Cena's said. Cena responded by telling Rey that he only had it for one night, but for him it's been his life ever since, and even before, and that night at Wrestlemania they were chanting things that he couldn't even repeat at this hour. Rey rushed back in to say that he gets that Cena feels responsible for ending Taker's career but regardless of what happens in the ring, that what he has to respect is that like everyone in life, the fans are entitled to their opinion, to say what they want, to cheer & boo who they want, and without them there wouldn't even be a ring for them to stand in.

The fans cheered Rey and some chanted his name, but Cena didn't look too happy with Rey's well meant words. Cena told Rey that he knew he meant well but he couldn't understand the situation he's coming from, that things he accomplishes like beating The Undertaker or winning the WWE title at Backlash aren't respected where they would be if it was someone else, claiming that's he's being vilified unfairly and unfairly disrespected, and that's been the case for three long years, stating that he's had enough of it because he knows he doesn't deserve it and the time has come where he should be shown the respect that he does deserve and he's earned. That just wound the haters up even more and they chanted more disrespectful slurs at him that the USA Network would be hoping weren't picked up at home. Rey clearly felt bad for Cena and told him that he's sure because he's just won the WWE title, the emotion's just getting to him and that Cena would feel differently in a few days, and that bought a wry smirk to Cena's face. He told Rey that he didn't appreciate being patronised by him, and then told Rey that he couldn't possibly understand his predicament given that he's hasn't accomplished what he has. Rey reassured him he was just trying to help out a friend, but Cena told him that he knows his own mind and doesn't need Rey telling him how he shouldn't feel when he can't understand what it's like to be the top dog, let alone the hate that he gets. He then told Rey that he felt that if he, the ultimate underdog beat The Undertaker instead of him, then the fans wouldn't be anywhere near as disrespectful as they have been with him.

He was blaming the fans who hate him for being nothing but narrow minded, disrespectful & pathetic, pointing out it's not his loyal fans that he reiterated he respected. Rey shook his head, saying he wasn't sure he knew who he was in the ring with, and he gave up, saying that he was going to leave but told Cena that he needs to wise up soon before he ends up acting like a jerk on a regular basis. There were some gasps from the crowd, some fans surprised he said that, and as Rey dropped his microphone and turned away to leave the ring, Cena dropped his too and grabbed Rey's arm to turn him back round. He stared right at Rey, letting him know that he wasn't messing around, he felt strongly about what was he saying. Rey though tried to pull away and asked Cena what the hell he was doing and to stop being a jerk, and at that point Cena had heard enough and lifted Rey off his feet and tossed him into the mat with the F-U! The crowd were shocked as Cena stared down at Rey flat out at the side of him with boos being thrown at him from the crowd, and some of his fans were shown looking on in shock. Cena shook his head to the side, showing that he had some regret in him, and he took in the reaction for a few seconds before reaching down to pick up the microphone. The fans wouldn't let him speak though for a bit, but when they did he said that he wanted to point out that he wasn't proud of what he just did but said that it was Rey's fault for pushing him. The fans didn't buy it and he dropped the microphone, not caring what the crowd thought, just looking down at Rey still on his back as Raw came to a close, zooming in on the fairly unapologetic face of the WWE Champion.

Triple H gets fired, I love it, I honestly love it but since Triple H has been fired by Bischoff I wonder what will happen? I can see Triple H going to the Board of Directors to try to get his job back but if that doesn't happen then I could see Triple H somehow being re-hired but he ends up on Smackdown but Triple H he is off RAW and that makes me happy so glad that Bischoff did what had to be done

But Cena attacking Rey like that, if that wasn't a heel turn from John Cena then I do not know what is to be perfectly honest

But what Sheamus did to Jerry Lawler especially in King's hometown, wow what a way to get heat on Sheamus and if anything Sheamus just continues to prove to me just why he should be a main eventer